Tag: Fibromyalgia
Why I Choose to Live Beyond 75
One day last week, I had to stop, listen and process an interview on one of the cable news stations.
I was shocked!! Why, was Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel saying he wanted to die at 75?
It was unbelievable. And I asked Hubby, “was that the same Dr. Emanuel who shows up on so many national news programs speaking as an expert on health related issues, especially, the Affordable Health Care Act.” He said, “yes, but didn’t recall the details.”
Because we both missed most of the interview, I wanted to learn more. So, I went to my IPad and googled, “why I want to die at 75 Ezekiel Emanuel.” My friend, Google, found a lengthy article featured in the September 2014 issue of The Atlantic written by Dr. Emanuel.
Why I Want To Die at 75: Ezekiel J. Emanuel, M.D.
“I am sure of my position. Doubtless, death is a loss. It deprives us of experiences and milestones, of time spent with our spouse and children. In short, it deprives us of all the things we value.
But, here is a simple truth that many of us seem to resist: living too long is also a loss. It renders many of us, if not disabled, then faltering and declining, a state that may not be worse than death but is nonetheless deprived. It robs us of our creativity and ability to contribute to work, society, the world. It transforms how people experience us, and most important, remember us. We are no longer remembered as vibrant and engaged but as feeble, ineffectual, even pathetic.”
Dr. Emanuel is a healthy 57-year-old and does not plan to end his life at 75 either by assisted-suicide or euthanasia. But, he does say, “At 75 and beyond, I will need a good reason to even visit the doctor and take any medical test or treatment, no matter how routine and painless. And that good reason is not — ‘it will prolong your life.'”
He also contends that in America we are so focused on doing things “like exercise, strict dieting, popping vitamins, etc., in an effort to cheat death and prolong life as long as possible. This has become so pervasive that it now defines a culture type – what I call the American Immortal.”
Why I Choose to Live Beyond 75
Dr. Emanuel says he only wants to live until the age of 75; and, I respect his right to make this choice. But, two years from now, if I reach the age of 75, I will continue to make healthy lifestyle choices. These choices will be made not to prolong life, but to live life to the fullest.
While physical ailments, dementia, feebleness, memory, problem solving and other health conditions, relating to the aging process, may occur; I believe, forecasting what may happen in my future, inhibits my ability to live authentically in the present moment.
Today, I am a relatively healthy, 72-year-old with several manageable chronic illnesses. In 2008, at the age of 66, I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. Dr. Emanuel contends if he were diagnosed with cancer, after the age of 60, he would refuse treatment. Again, I respect his right to make that decision. But, I chose treatment.
And, over the past six years, I have been gifted with being in the present moment when my:
- eldest grandson graduated from college
- eldest granddaughter graduated from high school;
- eldest grandson graduated from high school;
- youngest grandson, graduated from middle school; and,
- youngest granddaughter’s birth seven months after my 2008 breast cancer diagnosis.
Had I elected not to pursue treatment, I possibly would not have lived to see these major family milestones.
Additionally, beyond family milestones, I would have never witnessed the election of America’s first African-American President. Something that I never expected would happen in my lifetime.
So, if I continue to be blessed with sound mind and body, I plan on being an active participant in managing my aging process beyond age 75.
And, I will not:
- wait for death;
- refuse medical treatment; or
- accept that living a quality life ends at 75.
But, in addition to as-needed medical care, I will continue to manage my aging process by:
- Being Positive
- Practicing Forgiveness
- Staying Physical
- Embracing Family and Friends
- Loving Me
- Performing Random Acts of Kinds
- Living A Spiritual Life
- Trying New Things
- Exploring New Places
- Blogging About My Memories, Life Experiences and Random Thoughts
Rather than attempting to “cheat or prolong life” I choose to live life to the fullest until God guides me down a different path.
Wordless Wednesday – October 8, 2014
Spring – Rural Wisconsin
Photos: Thank You for Sharing, Grandma Cupcake
Wordless Wednesday – October 1, 2014
Colors of Fall – Madison, WI
Grateful to My Friend, The Librarian
for Sharing These Photos
Lost Girlfriends
Last week, I took time out to visit past memories. As I went through the photo album, three pictures touched my heart in a special way. The women in the photos crossed my path in different ways over a twenty-year period. They were my girlfriends, supporters, mentors, advisers, and so on and so forth; but, when I moved to Florida we grew apart.
I have found many new friends, through social media, as well as friends in my new community. But, I miss these women and want to rekindle our relationship. I would love to reconnect with them through this blog, emails, or Facebook; but, they quickly let me know a venture into cyberspace is not an option for them.
On Friday, I purchased stationery and envelopes from the local supply store. My intent is to reach out to them, via snail mail, and try to re-establish our friendship.
My Girlfriends
Let me introduce you and share a little about what brought us together.
North Central Service Club
In the late 1990s, while working at a medical practice, a patient’s daughter invited me to attend a meeting of the North Central Service Club. A women’s non-profit organization, in existence since the late 1960’s, their primary goal is to mentor African-American female high school students and, through various fundraising activities, grant college scholarships to graduating seniors.
Sisters4Cure
I connected with Sisters4Cure within days after my breast cancer diagnosis in 2008. They were my support group as I journeyed down the path of living with breast cancer. These women were by my side to offer support, encouragement, prayers, and compassion throughout the time we spent together. Sisters4Cure is much more than a support group. This is a non-profit organization created and sustained by dedicated women, with breast cancer, whose primary mission is to:
- support women with breast cancer; and
- reach out to African-American women in the Milwaukee area for the sole purpose of promoting breast cancer awareness.
SeasonedSistahs Book Club
These were my four Seasoned Sistahs we created SeasonedSistahs Book Club. In fact, these women held such a special place in my heart; when, I created this blog I selected the name SeasonedSistah2. This photo was taken when we attended a book signing, something we often did as a group. Our love of reading, fiction and non-fiction, books written by African-American authors brought us together. We met for more years than I can remember to discuss the book we had selected to read for the month. Over time we begin to feel more comfortable in each other’s presence; and we, expanded beyond our individual space and found the courage to share the unnecessary baggage that we carried, past and present, that prevented us from living our life to the fullest. After I moved to Florida, the three remaining members continued to meet until Rose’s health deteriorated in early 2013.
I am Grateful to all the women, in the three photos, for the positive impact they had on my life. Through my snail letters, I want to express gratitude, say thank you, and share the present with the girlfriends who were there to experience my past.
Gratitude Sunday – September 28, 2014
My Rocking Chair
Yesterday, Fed Ex delivered the cushion for my recently purchased rocking chair.
Soon lower temperatures will arrive in Florida. And, I look forward to the upcoming days of rocking in STILLNESS and QUIET as I look within for peace, love, and happiness. And, I AM GRATEFUL.
More and more, my life is expanding toward showing respect, expressing love, and performing acts of kindness to those whose path I cross. And, I AM GRATEFUL.
Wordless Wednesday – September 24, 2014
Poetry – September 22, 2014
Me and My Obstacles
I have Breast Cancer, but it doesn’t define ME.
Happiness, joy and peace guides ME.
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, but it doesn’t limit ME.
Exercise, prayer and meditation moves ME.
I have Fibromyalgia, but it doesn’t control ME.
Yoga, mindfulness and music distracts ME.
Living in the Present Moment empowers ME.
Grateful, my obstacles do not restrict ME.
And, believe it or not, this works for ME!!
–Poem by: SeasonedSistah2
Tenney Park: Sad and Happy Memories
The Photos
A long-time friend, sent me an e-mail with the attached photo:
She took the photo early one morning, on her long, long walk to her job at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Getting to work is not the only reason for her early morning walks. She also uses this time to meditate and felt this might be an option for me. Something to consider. But, for now, I plan to sit on the lanai at 5:00 a.m. with the fans swirling overhead, to meditate until the weather cools down in Florida.
Let me move from walking and meditating to the photo. Having lived in Madison for more than thirty-five years, I emailed and asked, “What Lake — Monona or Mendota?”
She didn’t answer, but sent the following photos. Then, I knew the answer – Lake Mendota.
Summers 1970 – 1973
I remember, the summer afternoons, spent with our three children, in this park and on that beach. It was many, many years ago; and, I have Sad and Happy Memories
Hubby and I were both full-time students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We were living, I am certain, below the poverty level for a family of five (GI Bill, student loans/grants, and Hubby’s part-time jobs).
Sad Memories:
Mentally, I allowed worrisome and non-productive thoughts to enter my space; and this disengaged me from spending quality time with my family. Unanswerable questions controlled my thoughts. Like, WHAT IF —
- We made a mistake by returning to college at our age?
- We can’t find a job after graduation?
- Hubby can’t find another part-time job when this one ends?
- We can’t pay back the student loans?
Sadly, my WHAT IF questions were continuous and endless. And, regretfully, I was not able to enjoy and embrace what was happening in the present moment during this period of my life.
Happy Memories
Even though I was not always in the present moment during these summer days, I know our children enjoyed the time we spent at Tenney Park.
Regardless of the WHAT IFs, I have many Happy Memories of those sunny afternoons, sitting quietly, and watching our Happy children — wading in the lake, creating in the sand, and playing in the park.
Hubby joined us for dinner at the end of his work day. Tenney Park was our evening dining place during the summer. And, we had some of our best times and meals there. Most days, I cooked something on our portable grill. And, occasionally we had enough money to treat the kids with pizza or burgers from a fast food restaurant.
Happy, that today, I am learning to:
- Let go of the past;
- Live in the present moment; and
- Accept what may happen in the future.
***********
Postscript – Thank You to Two Special Friends
The Librarian, for the photos in this post.
Cupcake, for the photos taken in an earlier post, “July Vacation Days: Happiness in the Presence of Children.” (Special Note: We share a beautiful granddaughter, Little Cupcake.)
Thankful Thursday – September 18, 2014
Today, I Am Thankful for:
What Occurred on Wednesday:
- My first-time visit to a dermatologist.
- The diagnosis of Acne.
- The newest side-effect of a medication prescribed in June to treat my Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Acne waiting until I reached the age of 72 to enter my life.
- The topical treatment recommended, by the dermatologist, to correct this problem.
After leaving the dermatologist, I went to the local lawn and garden center to buy new plants.
What I Plan To Do Today:
Pot and add these beautiful plants to My Healing Container Garden.
“Be thankful for the morning light and the moonlight, for it reminds us that the beginning of everyday we are given the gift to shine bright but it is up to you to reflect from that gift and continue to shine through the darkness. Be the Sun and the Moon of your life. Please use it wisely.” (Unknown Quote)
SeasonedSistah 